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Title details for A Good Horse by Jane Smiley - Available

A Good Horse

#2 in series

by Jane Smiley
Angela Goethals
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available
When eighth grader Abby Lovitt looks out at those pure-gold rolling hills, she knows there's no place she'd rather be than her family's ranch—even with all the hard work of tending to nine horses. But some chores are no work at all, like grooming young Jack. At eight months, his rough foal coat has shed out, leaving a smooth, rich silk, like chocolate. As for Black George, such a good horse, it turns out he's a natural jumper. When he and Abby clear four feet easy as pie, heads start to turn at the ring—"buyers'" heads—and Abby knows Daddy won't turn down a good offer. Then a letter arrives from a private investigator, and suddenly Abby stands to lose not one horse but two. The letter states that Jack's mare may have been sold to the Lovitts as stolen goods. A mystery unfolds, more surprising than Abby could ever expect. Will she lose her beloved Jack to his rightful owners? Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley raises horses of her own, and her affection and expertise shine through in this inviting horse novel for young readers, set in 1960s California horse country and featuring characters from "The Georges and the Jewels."

  • Creators

  • Series

    Horses of Oak Valley Ranch

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 1, 2014

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781490640846
      • File size: 207611 KB
      • Duration: 07:12:31

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • Lexile® Measure: 1010
    • Text Difficulty: 6-8

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Angela Goethals's performance highlights eighth-grader Abby Lovitt's practical and calm manner in this story, set on a horse ranch in California. Like Abby herself, Goethals is most animated when Abby is working with horses, particularly her foal, Jack. Goethals effectively introduces a note of alarm when Abby's family's ownership of Jack comes into question. Later, Goethals adds a tone of panic when Abby becomes frightened while performing jumps in a horse show. The focus here is on horsemanship, but Goethals deepens the story with her vocal characterizations of the people in Abby's world. She's especially skilled at creating male voices as well as that of the crisply efficient riding instructor, Miss Slater. This audiobook will be most appealing to horse lovers but will also be welcome family listening. A.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      September 27, 2010
      Smiley returns to the territory and characters of her 2009 novel, The Georges and the Jewels, in this moving sequel. Opening on Abby's 13th birthday, the story centers on her relationship with her beloved eight-month-old colt, Jack (introduced in the last book), who Abby fears she may lose after her family's ownership of Jack is contested. The 1960s setting and the Lovitt family's ranch life (and faith) are visceral presences in the book. And when heartbreaking and very adult decisions need to be made, Abby's love of horses provides a steadfast anchor. Ages 11–up.

    • School Library Journal

      June 1, 2015

      Gr 5-8-Eighth grader Abby Lovitt and her family live on their horse ranch in 1960s California. A letter from a private investigator suggests that Abby's favorite colt, Jack, may have been sold to them as stolen goods. While the Lovitts await more information from the investigator, Abby continues training Black George, a kind and generous horse with loads of raw talent over jumps. When Abby and Black George win a championship, drawing the interest of wealthy buyers, Abby worries that she may lose both horses. This wholesome story is refreshingly devoid of darkness and mature themes. Abby's family has a strong Christian faith, but the Christian elements are not heavy-handed. Narrator Angela Goethals's girlish voice perfectly captures young Abby's charming personality. VERDICT Vivid descriptions of horse training and behavior and the sheer beauty of these animals in motion will appeal to horse-loving tween and teen listeners.-Lisa E. Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH

      Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:1010
  • Text Difficulty:6-8

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